4D simulations are often used to show the construction sequence for an entire project, but shorter simulations that focus on a specific period of time are also useful.
- Can you provide examples of how a simulation that focuses on a 1 or 2 week period could be useful for planning?
I believe the simulations on a specific period of time allowing us to focus on the most latest concern on the site progress like 2 week forecast to identify more accurately the resources to be deployed on site.
An other example is argument between different parties (Owner and the Contractor for example) after the completion of project. Let’s say the project already completed and both parties disagree the award of extension of time. The as planned vs as built programme analysis by using the 4D simulation could be carried out by professionals to identify the delay in a specific period to provide an accurate result.
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
I think it depends on the what purposes are we going to focus on. If we are presenting of how the building structure be built, then level of details up to the structural level could be sufficient. In other words, the level of details will depend on the who is your audience and why is it important to show by 4D simulation.
If we are having a discussion on any clashes/ obstructions at a room on any particular day, different trades of works will be involved in the same location, it could be MEP works, Civil Works or ABWF works. For this case, much more details will be required to show the fittings, piping and size of opening.
How can the feedback shown in a 4D simulation help you to optimize the project schedule?
- What are the main benefits of linking model elements to the project schedule?
The building model consists of all building element of a building to be built and the project schedule represents different tasks based on the timeline schedule. If all elements are linked to the tasks of the schedule, it will allow us to identify the period when the elements will be built and we can identify the elements that are included in the critical path of the schedule. It will help us ensure the project to be built on time and keep tracking the project performance.